Death toll rises in Colombian mudslides

BOGOTA, April 14 (UPI) -- The death toll from mudslides in Colombia has risen to at least 11, with more than three dozen people still missing, El Tiempo reported Friday.

Pounding rains continue to hinder the rescue efforts in southwestern Colombia, said local officials.

Hundreds of people were reportedly left homeless by rivers that broke their banks and mudslides that destroyed at least one entire village.

Rescuers have also said that leftist rebels in the region have hampered rescue efforts. The Colombian government -- which has battled the rebels for more than 40 years -- has called on them to permit rescuers to search for possible survivors.